Did you see the story in the Herald earlier this month about former methamphetamine-user Haydee Richards? For those of you who missed it, Haydee bravely spoke about her experience of addiction and recovery from P, including the impacts that it had on her life, such as losing her job, developing a gambling problem and ultimately dealing the drug herself. Unfortunately, it seems that drug addiction and mental health challenges are on the rise across New Zealand. One of the most important aspects of Haydee telling her story is that she breaks the stereotype of who a P addict is – generally imagined to be poor, likely out of work, and often with gang affiliations. But addictions and mental health problems happen across all strata of society – which is just another reason why being prepared with tools to help you understand and respond empathetically, safely and effectively to people when they’re struggling is important. Mind and Body’s reTHiNK Wellbeing is an interactive workshop that equips participants to do just that – as well as provides them with tools for building their own wellbeing and resiliency. It’s also recommended for people working in HR and business support roles – help make your workplace a mentally healthy workplace by coming along to the next Auckland-based rethink Wellbeing workshop on Wednesday the 5th of October. Buy tickets here – early bird prices available!

Haydee’s story ends on a very positive note – Haydee completed a level four Certificate in Peer Support (Mental Health) with Mind and Body and now works as a Peer Support Worker at South Auckland’s Phoenix Centre, where she is using her experience of addiction and recovery to help others who are struggling. To read Haydee’s full story, see the articles here and here.

Mockingbird Play: Mental Health Awareness Week

This mental health awareness week, Mind and Body is proud to sponsor the performance of Mockingbird – a black comedy about mental health. Buy tickets here!

Mockingbird explores the often neglected subject of mental health through the use of humour, mask and music. Based on a true story, Le Coq trained Lisa Brickell brings to life a family of characters from different generations. She is accompanied onstage by actor and musician Sarah Macombee. Mockingbird is directed by Le Coq trained Ruth Dudding and acclaimed Commedia dell’Arte and Clowning expert Giovanni Fusetti from Italy. A hopeful and entertaining show – Mockingbird will resonate in your thoughts long after you leave the theatre.

‘A great solo show called Mockingbird by Lisa Brickell with cool sounds and live music by Sarah Macombee of Macombee & the Absolute Truth. It’s the story of four generations of women, whakapapa & belonging. Brickell is wonderfully expressive with cheeky fluidity, and the show is as riveting as it is entertaining.’ – Wai Reid & Jarred Tito, NZ Entertainment

October 4-8 at The Basement Theatre, Auckland CBD

October 12 At Te Pou Theatre as part of Atawhai Mental Health Awareness Week Festival